Star*Drive Saturday: Austrin-Ontis Unlimited

Last week I gave a brief history and set-up for the Star*Drive universe. Now I will be going through each of the stellar nations that make up old space.

AUSTRIN-ONTIS UNLIMITED

If you love guns in the 26th century, then you are probably an adventurer. If you really really really really love guns in the 26th century. Then you are probably an Austrin.

• Population: 646 Billion Sentients
• Founding Year: 2112
• GW2 Alliance: Profit Confederation
• Capital World: Powder
• Dominant Faith: Old Earth Faiths
• Notable Locations: Galvin, Algremron System (Verge world - currently contested with the Thuldan Empire)

Arms dealers are nothing new to human history. Austrin-Ontis Unlimited is a corporate nation founded on weapon supply. Two independent companies, Austrin Arms (personal firearms and home protection), and Ontis Ordinance (military grade weaponry), merged in 2112 and set off to claim their own worlds. It now stands as a combination of a corporate stellar nation and a confederation of rugged colonies.

The right to bear arms is sacred to an Austrin, and they will all fight to defend it. There is no polite way to say it, Austrins are a little gun-crazy. They believe violence is the crucible of character, and even a somewhat quaint notion of personal honor. The conditioning for a life of action and heroism begins soon after birth. In childhood games of marines and bug-eyed monsters, school vs school battles, and serious adult duels, Austrins learn not to shy away from confrontation or competition. The Austrin psyche requires brave deeds. They recognize the inbred human need for violence and doesn't try to supress it, instead, it provides healthy ways to express their violent urges. In adult years pistol duels are common. As long as both parties consent, murder is legal in Austrin-Ontis law.

Austrins tend to be direct honest folk. Fans and foes alike agree that they as a group lack deceit; they tell it as they see it. This trait and its fame serve them well in their trading throughout the galaxy. Integrity and lack of duplicity are points of pride. Austrins manifest these traits in their trading, too; frequent and willing demonstration of their finest wares is a hallmark of Austrin-Ontis commerce.

Paraphrased from: David Eckleberry, and Richard Baker. Star*Drive Campaign Setting. Wizards of the Coast, Inc. P.O. Box 707 Renton, WA. 98057-0707: Wizards of the Coast / TSR, 1998.

Rogue Space Character Ideas
The bond between and Austrin and his/her trusty sidearm transcend ready understanding. Perhaps centuries of reinforcement have enhanced hand-eye coordination. Or maybe years of coolness under fire. A player may choose to be an Austrin for his/her race (human only) during character creation. Doing so they gain a +1 bonus to any tests in using personal firearms.

The Demonstrative Salesman
Character Background: Traveling Salesman
High Attributes: Fighting and Empathy
Archetype: Rogue
A salesman always looking for trouble. Not for mischief, but for an opportunity to show off the efficacy of Austrin Arms. Quickly and obnoxiously pointing out to enemies and allies alike the superior weapon brand as he uses it with practice precision, and a cheesy smile. Kicking ass and taking orders.
"There, now you see how cleanly I took the head off your comrade? Only that precise of a blast can be accomplished with the Merrick's Personal Security 41A Charge Rifle. Much more effective than your competitor brand, and less inconvenient jamming!"

Drummed Out Soldier
Character Background: Soldier
High Attributes: Fighting and Acquiring
Archetype: Warrior
His story would be considered tragic if it wasn't so prevalent in Austrin-Ontis military. The independent show-off attitude of Austrins are common even in soldiers. Most commanders know how to curb it in line with their strategies and orders, but some take it too far. He proved too unreliable for a military unit, but in a fight you wouldn't want anyone else standing by your side. Some bring knives to gunfights, he brings the bigger guns to gunfights.